The Ballard Nature Center is a non-profit 501(C)3 organization that operates entirely on gifts and donations.

The Ballard Nature Center receives no dedicated funding from any local, state, or federal source. Proceeds from an annual banquet and other fundraisers help to fund the majority of the operating and maintenance expenses for the organization. Grants help pay for special projects.

Donations of money, equipment, and other items are always appreciated. For those visiting the facility, a donation box is located in the visitor center’s entrance hallway.

Donors who meet or exceed a certain level of funding will be recognized at the Visitor Center on the sponsorship wall, which features the names of past and present donors. Depending on the funding level, donors are recognized with a bronze, silver, or gold leaf on our Legacy Tree (pictured at right).

If you are interested in donating, please contact the center at (618) 483-6856, by email, or by donating online.

The Ballard Nature Center board hosts fundraising events to generate needed funds for the operation and the maintenance of the facility.

Annual Banquet
Each November, the center holds its annual banquet, a major source of funds for the nature center. The banquet features live and silent auctions, raffles, a meal, and entertainment. Desserts by Friends of Ballard Nature Center.

Raffle, silent and live auctions and other festivities throughout the evening!

Please purchase tickets prior to the event:
$40 per single
$250 sponsorship
$500 corporate sponsor

3D Bow Shoot
One weekend in the fall, the center will place 30 targets scattered throughout the trail system. Shooters of all ages welcome!

Volunteers are essential to the Ballard Nature Center.

Volunteers host the Visitor Center on weekends, build foot bridges and benches, maintain trails, conduct yard work, and help with programs and special projects. Without our volunteers, the Ballard Nature Center would not have grown into what we are today! We would love to help you find a way to share your time and talent with us!

Ballard Nature Center’s educators are willing to collaborate with youth group leaders and school teachers to develop service-learning projects that help youth develop civic responsibility.

For more information on volunteering, please contact the center at (618) 483-6856 or by email.

Weekend Visitor Center Host: Open the Visitor Center, greet visitors, answer the phone, and complete miscellaneous assignments.

Maintenance: Monitor and maintain trails, construct footbridges and benches, trim trees, mow grass, etc.

Naturalist’s Assistant: Prepare supplies for crafts, supervise students during naturalist-led trail walks and supervise students in the exhibit room, read to students, assist students during craft activities, etc.

Fundraising Projects or Events: Help with the annual banquet and other fundraising ideas, grant writing, etc.

Special Projects or Events: Help with the outdoor day’s event, fundraising banquet, nature photography, workshops, exhibits, newsletters, etc.